Blood on 37th Avenue—How Many Kids Must Be Hit Before Cruz Acts?

A BMW SUV turned left on Woodhaven. It cut across a Honda’s path. Metal shrieked. A 76-year-old man was crushed behind the wheel. Another man, same age, hurt. An infant survived the chaos. All lived. This time.

Two cars collided at Woodhaven Blvd near Eliot Ave. According to the police report, a BMW SUV turned left into the path of a northbound Honda. The crash left a 76-year-old man with crush injuries and another man, also 76, injured. An infant was among the shaken but survived. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The BMW SUV was making a left turn when it struck the Honda, which was going straight. Both drivers were licensed. The data does not list any helmet or signal issues. The impact was severe, but all occupants survived.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809181, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Ford SUV struck a 75-year-old man crossing with the signal at 75th Street and 37th Avenue. The impact tore open his leg. The SUV’s front bumper remained clean. Inside, a baby watched. The driver failed to yield.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling north struck a 75-year-old man who was crossing at the intersection of 75th Street and 37th Avenue. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the collision occurred. The report states the man suffered severe lacerations to his knee and lower leg. The SUV’s point of impact was the right front bumper, which showed no visible damage. The contributing factor listed by police is 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' on the part of the SUV driver. The narrative notes that inside the vehicle, a baby sat unhurt. The report does not cite any pedestrian behavior as a contributing factor, except to confirm the victim was crossing with the signal. The focus remains on the driver’s failure to yield, as documented by police.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807531, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

Metal screams on Woodhaven Boulevard. A sedan, SUV, and motorcycle collide. The motorcycle is crushed, its rider ejected, lifeless on the street. Dazed survivors crawl from twisted wrecks. Failure to yield leaves silence and broken bodies behind.

A violent collision unfolded at Woodhaven Boulevard and 60th Drive in Queens, involving a sedan, motorcycle, and SUV. According to the police report, the crash occurred at 9:22 a.m. when all vehicles were traveling south. The report states 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The motorcycle was 'demolished,' and its 55-year-old male rider was 'ejected' and killed, suffering 'crush injuries' to his entire body. The narrative describes the scene: 'A sedan, motorcycle, and SUV collide, metal shrieks. The motorcycle is crushed. A 55-year-old man, ejected, dies on the street. Others crawl from wrecks, dazed, bodies aching.' The police report makes no mention of victim behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the cited driver error—failure to yield—which set off a chain of destruction, ending in death and injury for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803498, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A parked SUV became a tomb on 42nd Avenue. Distraction carved metal, left a woman, 43, lifeless in the daylight hush. The lap belt held her, but the impact did not forgive. The street bore witness, silent and unchanged.

According to the police report, a fatal crash occurred outside 104-28 42nd Avenue in Queens when a parked Subaru SUV was struck on its left side. The sole occupant, a 43-year-old woman, was inside the vehicle at the time and was held in place by her lap belt. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor leading to the collision. The impact folded metal and resulted in the apparent death of the woman, who did not leave the car. The police report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the danger created by driver distraction, which turned a parked vehicle into a scene of tragedy.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802721, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A distracted SUV driver barreled through the intersection at 82nd Street and 37th Avenue, slamming into a 14-year-old girl crossing with the signal. The right front bumper mangled her leg. She remained conscious as the driver continued straight.

A 14-year-old girl suffered crush injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot when a westbound SUV struck her at the corner of 82nd Street and 37th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the girl was 'crossing with the light' at the intersection when the SUV’s right front bumper hit her, causing significant injury. The report states the driver was 'distracted' and continued going straight, failing to yield to the pedestrian. Contributing factors listed in the police report include 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience.' The pedestrian’s actions—crossing with the signal—are noted in the report but are not cited as contributing factors. The collision underscores the persistent threat posed by inattentive drivers operating large vehicles in city intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796835, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Lexus veered off 94th Street, metal shrieked, and a 33-year-old man died behind the wheel. Evening light fell on twisted steel and silence. Driver inattention ended a life in Queens, leaving only wreckage and unanswered questions.

According to the police report, a Lexus sedan traveling north on 94th Street at the corner of 60th Avenue veered into two parked sedans. The report states, 'A Lexus veered into two parked sedans. Metal tore. A 33-year-old man slumped behind the wheel, lap belt tight, head struck. Evening light caught the silence. He did not move again.' The sole occupant and driver, a 33-year-old man, suffered fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police identified 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The parked vehicles, a Kia and a Honda, were unoccupied at the time. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of driver distraction, as cited in the official report. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were listed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4756153, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Honda SUV hit an eight-year-old girl as she crossed 111th Street. Her foot split open. Blood pooled on the sidewalk. The SUV rolled on, unscathed. She stayed conscious, pain sharp and real, the street marked by violence.

According to the police report, a northbound Honda SUV struck an eight-year-old girl as she crossed 111th Street near 47th Avenue in Queens. The report states that the collision occurred while the girl was 'crossing, no signal, or crosswalk.' The impact caused a severe laceration to her foot, splitting it open and leaving blood on the sidewalk. The girl remained conscious after the crash, with injuries to her lower leg and foot described as 'severe lacerations.' The SUV, a 2019 Honda, showed no visible damage and continued north. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'unspecified,' offering no details about driver attentiveness or speed. The narrative centers the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of the young pedestrian, while the vehicle and its occupants were unharmed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4752265, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A young moped rider slammed into a parked car, then crashed head-on into a Volvo. He flew from the wreck, struck the pavement, and bled from the head. He lay unconscious as dawn broke on 35th Avenue.

A 20-year-old moped rider suffered severe head injuries after a violent crash on 35th Avenue near 83rd Street in Queens. According to the police report, the moped first struck a parked Ford sedan, then collided head-on with a Volvo. The rider was ejected from his vehicle, landing unconscious and bleeding from the head. The report lists his helmet status as unknown. The moped was described as 'demolished.' The Volvo involved was driven by an unlicensed operator, according to the police report. No contributing factors beyond 'unspecified' were cited in the report. The crash underscores the lethal risks faced by vulnerable road users amid systemic dangers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4727580, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A taxi slowed to park on the Long Island Expressway. A sedan struck hard from behind. Metal tore through the quiet dawn. A young driver, belted, bled from the arm but stayed conscious. The green light hung above, indifferent.

According to the police report, a taxi was slowing to park eastbound on the Long Island Expressway when a sedan struck it forcefully. The report states, 'A taxi slowed to park. A sedan struck hard. Metal tore through dawn.' The 20-year-old driver of the sedan suffered severe bleeding from his arm but remained conscious. The crash occurred while the light above stayed green and the road was quiet. Police cite 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor in the collision. The data does not list any victim behavior as a factor. The report makes clear that driver distraction led to the violent impact, resulting in injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4714402, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A sedan struck a merging SUV on the Long Island Expressway at 3:42 a.m. Tire failure and driver distraction caused the crash. A 34-year-old man suffered severe leg bleeding and shock. Steel crumpled. Sirens arrived after the silence broke.

According to the police report, at 3:42 a.m. on the Long Island Expressway, a sedan collided with a merging SUV. The report identifies 'Tire Failure/Inadequate' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The sedan, traveling west, impacted the left rear bumper of the SUV during its merge. The crash caused significant vehicle damage and severe injury to a 34-year-old man, who suffered heavy bleeding from his leg and was in shock. He was wearing a lap belt and harness at the time. The report does not list any victim behavior as contributing factors. Driver distraction and mechanical failure were central to this crash, highlighting ongoing systemic dangers on New York highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4707759, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Honda SUV hit a 43-year-old man on an e-bike near 84th Street in Queens. The bike crumpled. The rider slammed to the pavement. He died there, alone, before dawn. Police cite driver inattention. No helmet listed. The street stayed silent.

A 43-year-old man riding an e-bike was killed when a Honda SUV struck him on Roosevelt Avenue near 84th Street in Queens. According to the police report, 'the bike folded. His body hit the street. No helmet. No sound. He died there, alone in the early dark.' The crash involved a westbound SUV and a westbound e-bike. The police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The report also notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but this is mentioned only after the driver error. The victim suffered fatal injuries to his entire body. The crash left the street quiet, marked by loss.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4661989, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A man rode his motorscooter into the dark on 97th Street. He struck head-on. The Honda’s bumper crushed his skull. He died there, helmetless, thrown from the seat. The street stayed quiet. Only the machines remained.

A 36-year-old man riding a ZAIZHOU motorscooter was killed in a head-on crash with a Honda SUV on 97th Street near 50th Avenue in Queens. According to the police report, the man was unlicensed and wore no helmet. He was thrown from his seat and suffered fatal crush injuries to the head beneath the SUV’s left front bumper. The SUV driver held a permit. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The victim’s lack of helmet and license are noted only after the absence of driver errors. The crash left one dead at the scene, marking another fatal collision on Queens streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4651852, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Chevy pickup struck an 88-year-old man on Dry Harbor Road. The man crossed outside a crosswalk. The truck hit him head-on. He suffered head trauma and broken limbs. He died in the street. The driver had no license.

An 88-year-old man was killed on Dry Harbor Road near 61st Street in Queens. According to the police report, the man was crossing the street outside a crosswalk when a westbound Chevy pickup truck struck him head-on. The pedestrian suffered head trauma and broken limbs and died at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash. No other contributing factors, such as helmet use or signal violations, were noted in the data.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4650689, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A Yamaha motorcycle hit a Ford’s side on 80th Street. The 21-year-old rider died, head split open. His 17-year-old passenger lay unconscious, bleeding. Both were thrown from the bike. Neither wore helmets. Traffic control was ignored. Blood pooled on the street.

A Yamaha motorcycle crashed into the side of a Ford at 80th Street and 34th Avenue in Queens. The 21-year-old rider was killed, his head split open. His 17-year-old passenger was ejected, left unconscious and bleeding from the head. According to the police report, 'Traffic Control Disregarded' was listed as a contributing factor. Both victims were thrown from the motorcycle. The report states neither wore helmets, but this is noted only after the driver error. The crash left one dead and one seriously injured, marking another violent night on Queens streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4643896, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A young rider hit a diesel truck on the Long Island Expressway. He flew from his bike. The pavement took him. He died there. The helmet lay behind. The truck rolled on. The road stayed silent.

A 22-year-old motorcyclist died after colliding with a diesel tractor-trailer on the Long Island Expressway. According to the police report, the crash involved a motorcycle and a tractor truck diesel. The motorcyclist, traveling at unsafe speed, struck the trailer, was ejected, and suffered fatal crush injuries. The helmet was found behind him. The truck driver, a 34-year-old man, was not injured. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' as a contributing factor. No other injuries were reported. The road was dark and empty. The truck continued on after the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4632739, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A motorcycle struck a 74-year-old man crossing Woodhaven Boulevard. The rider, distracted, hit him head-on. The man’s leg was torn. He died at the scene. The rider was ejected and injured. The street bore the mark of distraction.

A 74-year-old pedestrian was killed on Woodhaven Boulevard when a northbound motorcycle struck him head-on. According to the police report, the rider was distracted and could not stop. The pedestrian was crossing the street, not at an intersection or crosswalk, when the crash occurred. The impact tore the man’s leg and he died at the scene. The 22-year-old motorcycle driver was ejected and suffered injuries. The police report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No other driver errors or equipment issues are noted. The crash underscores the lethal consequences of distraction behind the handlebars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4586035, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A motorscooter struck a sedan’s side at 37th Avenue and 82nd Street. The unlicensed rider, without a helmet, was ejected and died on the pavement. Both drivers lacked licenses. Alcohol played a role. The street stayed cold. The loss was final.

A deadly crash unfolded at the corner of 37th Avenue and 82nd Street in Queens. According to the police report, a motorscooter slammed into the side of a sedan. The rider, unlicensed and helmetless, was ejected and died from head injuries. The sedan’s driver was also unlicensed. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Other Vehicular' as contributing factors. No injuries were reported for the sedan’s occupants. The data highlights systemic failures: unlicensed operation, alcohol, and lack of protective equipment. The police report states, 'He died there, alone, on the cold Queens asphalt.'

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4584694, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

On Halloween, the city will ban cars from 100 streets. Kids will walk free. No engines, no rush, no threat. The move follows a 42% drop in pedestrian injuries on 34th Avenue. Officials say car-free streets mean fewer dead children.

On October 24, 2022, the NYC Department of Transportation announced a major expansion of car-free streets for Halloween. The initiative, called 'Trick-or-Streets,' will close 100 streets—across all boroughs except Staten Island—from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The DOT will extend hours on 40 existing open streets and keep another 60 car-free through the evening, partnering with the Street Activity Permit Office for more pedestrian zones. DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, 'I am incredibly excited to build on the triumph of our thriving Open Streets program ... this Halloween, providing greater access to safer, shared community spaces.' Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and Council Member Shekar Krishnan backed the move, stressing the deadly risk cars pose to children. DOT data shows a 42% drop in pedestrian injury crashes on 34th Avenue since it went car-free. The city cites national spikes in child pedestrian deaths on Halloween. The message is clear: car-free streets save lives.

• NO TRICK, ALL TREAT: City to Ban Cars on Some Streets for Halloween, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2022-10-24

A parked Ford sedan on Britton Avenue. Rear crushed by a motorcycle. A man, 46, lifeless in the driver’s seat. Morning light on twisted metal. No sound. No movement. Just the aftermath on a quiet Queens street.

A fatal crash unfolded on Britton Avenue near Judge Street in Queens. According to the police report, a parked Ford sedan was struck in the rear by a motorcycle. The impact left the rear of the car crumpled. Inside the sedan, officers found a 46-year-old man, the driver, dead at the scene. The report states, 'A man, 46, found lifeless in a Ford sedan. A parked motorcycle struck. Rear of the car crumpled.' No contributing factors or driver errors were specified in the police data. The crash involved both a sedan and a motorcycle, both listed as parked before the collision. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4560846, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14

A man on a bike slammed into a parked SUV on 104th Street. His body flew. His arm split open. Blood spilled onto the street. He lay conscious, bleeding, as the SUV stood still. No helmet. No warning. The street stayed silent.

A 40-year-old man riding a bike crashed into a parked SUV near 46th Avenue and 104th Street in Queens. According to the police report, 'A man on a bike hit a parked SUV. His body flew. His arm split open. Blood poured. No helmet. No warning. The SUV stood still. He lay in the street, conscious, and bleeding.' The cyclist suffered severe bleeding and arm injuries. No contributing driver errors were listed in the data. The SUV was parked and undamaged. The report notes the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but no helmet use was listed as a contributing factor. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4534363, NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-06-14